An American businessman took a vacation to a small coastal Mexican village on doctor’s orders. Unable to sleep after an urgent phone call from the office the first morning, he walked out to the pier to clear his head. A small boat with just one fisherman had docked, and inside the boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.
“How long did it take you to catch them?” the American asked.
“Only a little while,” the Mexican replied in surprisingly good English.
“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” the American then asked.
“I have enough to support my family and give a few to friends,” the Mexican said as he unloaded them into a basket.
“But… What do you do with the rest of your time?”
The Mexican looked up and smiled. “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Julia, and stroll into the village each evening, where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, señor.”
The American laughed and stood tall. “Sir, I’m a Harvard M.B.A. and can help you. You should spend more time fishing, and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. In no time, you could buy several boats with the increased haul. Eventually, you would have a fleet of fishing boats.”
Work – Exhibit – Exchange
At the heart of the foundation’s activities lies the Artist in Residence program. Fellows are provided with living and studio space for a period of three to twelve months, opportunities to present their work in the foundation’s own exhibition spaces, and receive financial support through a residency grant. In addition, they become part of a vibrant and well-connected network of artists and cultural professionals.
The Starke Art Foundation supports young, emerging artists across all genres. In an inspiring yet exclusive environment, they are given the opportunity to fully focus on their artistic practice and to develop or refine their individual style. We assist them in their artistic growth and actively encourage dialogue and exchange among the resident artists.
Artists from both Germany and abroad are welcome to apply up to the age of 40. Applications are accepted year-round. An independent jury selects the artists who will be awarded a residency fellowship by Stiftung Starke.
In addition, guest apartments are available for short-term stays by established artists. Please note that energy costs during the residency must be covered by the fellows themselves.
All projects of the Starke Foundation are accompanied by international curators and supported through scholarly engagement.
Das Löwenpalais, Sitz der Kunststiftung Starke, gehört zu den größten und prächtigsten Bauten in Berlin-Grunewald. Zwei steinerne Löwen, die die Fassade flankieren, gaben der Villa im neobarocken Stil ihren Namen.
Ansprechpartner für Vermietung des Löwenpalais
Myron Stülper - Eventmanagement
myron.stuelper@gmail.com
+49 176 32101618
+49 30 26039501
Peter Starke Non-Profit Foundation
Koenigsallee 30–32
14193 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 825 76 85
Fax: +49 30 825 87 34
Email: info@stiftungstarke.de
Website: www.stiftungstarke.de
The Peter Starke Non-Profit Foundation is a legally recognized foundation under civil law in accordance with German law.
Eligible applicants are artists up to and including the age of 38.
There is no financial grant. The studios are subsidized, which means that a contribution towards energy costs must be paid. This amount is based on the current market situation.
All artistic genres are supported: painting and sculpture, architecture and design, music and composition, performance, installation, conceptual art, as well as literature and new media.
Residency grants are awarded for a period of three to twelve months.
Fellows receive a residency grant. This includes free accommodation and studio space in the residence facilities, as well as the opportunity to present their work in a solo or group exhibition at the Löwenpalais, provided the artistic quality is sufficient.
To apply for a residency grant, the following documents must be submitted digitally in German or English:
Completed application form
Letter of motivation / Project description outlining the planned artistic work during the residency (max. 2 A4 pages)
Artistic CV
Formal documents (e.g., proof of residence, ID card, passport for non-EU applicants)
Financial plan: Applicants must provide documentation proving they are able to finance their stay at the Löwenpalais themselves.
Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline.
Residency grants are awarded by the Starke Art Foundation based on the decision of an independent jury. Applicants will be notified in writing. Decisions will not be justified.